At this time there are a number of comprehensive software packages that handle the production flow of foreign language dubbing. Many of these tools perform similar core tasks, but based on the particular needs of the studio, some may be more suitable than others. The ideal software for a dubbing studio should support as much of the workflow as possible. Here is a list of things to look for when evaluating the usability of given software:
Spotting: How simple is the process of transcribing the original dialogue and spotting of all human sounds?
Translation / Adaptation: How carefully can a translation of the text be done based on the “spotted” dialogue while taking care to respect the original timing? What additional tools are offered? (For example, the ability to switch back and forth between this and a word processing application.)
Exporting: Can the adapted texts be distributed for approval in standard formats?
Statistics: Can it calculate statistics such as the number of lines per actor? (Used for session planning and payment information.)
Integration with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW):
Can it export line cues or loop markers from the dubbing software into an audio workstation?
Can an audio workstation sync well with the dubbing software? (That way the dubbing software can be used to play back the video and the text, and the audio can be recorded in sync to the video.)
Portability and Outsourcing: How easy would it be for a dubbing studio to outsource various tasks such as spotting, adaptation, and scheduling? What kind of equipment is required? Does the software require a licence for each copy? Is outsourcing reliable and secure?
Other considerations: How versatile is the software, can it handle multiple video formats, is it flexible in terms of connectivity?
Here is a list of currently available dubbing software:
VoiceQ integrates with ProTools, and features an interesting combination of rythmo and sync-beep/wipe techniques by offering both a scrolling band with adjustable timing for text, and beeps/wipes to cue the beginning of a line. Originally intended for ADR, it is now increasingly used for dubbing and video games dialogue recording.
Update: this software has been acquired and is currently being reworked by www.indekso.com. Used throughout most of Québec, emulates a traditional rythmo band, can store several layers of text (different languages). The package features automatic speech-to-text transcription to facilitate detection (update: the current speech-to-text has been reported by software users as inefficient and unreliable - this may change in the upcoming release), as well as a number of supporting features facilitating efficient workflow. With a proprietary hardware controller, dubStudio can be used to drive a DAW.
Takes and script management, M&E report, comes with a hardware controller. Based on the sync-beep/wipe method. Timecode-stamped take markers can drive a DAW running ProTools, Nuendo, or other popular audio software as well as video hardware. Available only in German.
ADR and takes manager. Based on the sync-beep/wipe method, this software automatically generates visual wipes to cue the actors.
Offers an online project management system for translation, ADR, casting and dubbing in a number of languages.
A versatile ADR cueing tool based on the sync-beep/wipe method. The program offers a lot of flexibility intended to comply with various work-flow models, but this makes the learning curve of the software somewhat steeper.
Sound In Sync suite
A comprehensive suite to prepare ADR cues, manage department notes, text and takes. Using the the sync-beep/wipe method, the EdiCue and EdiPrompt components of the suite integrate nicely ProTools, and run directly on the DAW.
More popular in France than in Québec, Synchronos emulates a traditional rythmo band and can store 3 layers of text (3 different languages). Running on its own workstation, it can integrate with various DAWs. Features straightforward detection/adaptation, take/loop management, and session statistics.
TM Systems dubbing suite
An Emmy award winning software suite from the US, TM Systems is a collection of tools intended to streamline and facilitate a centralized solution to project management for language translation, dubbing and subtitling.
A UK-based company that globally streamlines work-flows for localization projects.